Diabetes is a serious problem in the United States. In order to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes, we need to invest significantly in diabetes self-management education and support and increase its utilization.

Over the past two decades, a growing number of health systems in the US have added diabetes education programs to the services they offer. Though it is easy to see the inherent value of these programs, it is far more difficult to assess their reach and overall success. For example, below we share findings from the NIH's Diabetes in America, 3rd Edition. Note the waivering trend lines in self-care practices: